Page 3 of Mermaid For You

“Yeah,” Ben chimes in. “And the only reason you get away with all the shit you do is because of your name.”

“Wait.” Teddy wipes his mouth with the back of his hand before he continues. “Not even your name.” He leans on his elbows and levels his eyes with mine, still holding his bottle in one hand. “Your rich old man’s name.”

My jaw tics but I school my features. “Go sleep it off. You’re wasted, man.”

Teddy’s laughter booms throughout the restaurant. Ben, my other so-called friend, looks around, visibly embarrassed that Teddy is causing a scene.

Slamming his glass down, Teddy holds his palms up. “Look at the women who date you. Gold diggers. You’d never get anyone that hot on your own. An average seven, at best.”

“Whatever. Can we enjoy our meal?” I give a tight smile to the server who passes our table and then level Teddy with a glare. “Preferably not drawing attention to ourselves.”

Ben shrugs. “He has a point. Now, don’t take offense. We’re all three the same. The only reason we’re at this table right now is because we run in the same circle. We wouldn’t actually hang out on our own.”

Bingo. There’s no way in hell I’d ever waste my time listening to this jerk if my father hadn’t insisted on this “fun” Saturday night. Networking is the key to success, he always tells me. Friendships and loyalty are crucial. And then when I’d still protest, he’d finally tell me, “Sometimes it’s not about if you like them. It’s what they can do for you.” The difference is, he actually likes their fathers.

At one time, I could get along with them. As we’ve gotten older, however, it’s become difficult. It’s like they have some kind of resentment or grudge against me. I just need to survive another thirty minutes, and then I can politely bid them good night. I can be a good sport and take a little trash talk. Gritting my teeth, I release a strained laugh.

For whatever reason, Teddy won’t let up on me. “You don’t have the first clue how to live without leaning on the Hayes name.”

I try to keep my voice cool and casual. “Why are you always busting my balls, Teddy?”

“Because I can. And you know everything I’m saying is the truth.” He forks an oversized piece of steak into his mouth.

“What truth? I have genuine relationships—you excluded, obviously.”

“Bullshit.” He snorts. “I bet you wouldn’t last a week in the real world without your family’s name and money.”

I’d be insulted if I didn’t know what a delusional ass he is. Yes, there are perks to my family name and wealth, but my whole life isn’t revolving around it. I consider myself a fairly average Joe.

“Wanna bet?” I taunt. “I do plenty on my own.”

“Absolutely!” Teddy beams.

I’m taken by surprise. “Well, I’m glad you agree.”

“No, dipshit. I wanna make a bet.” He pulls out his wallet.

Like I don’t know he’s good for it. His family’s fortune is almost as vast as mine.

“I bet you twenty-five grand you wouldn’t last?—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Ben pulls out his checkbook with a chuckle. “I want in on this. Twenty-five grand?” He gives a low whistle. “Gotta be more than a week. Give him a real taste of life outside of his castle. Let’s do two weeks starting Monday to June eighteenth.”

These two are idiots. My castle? What do they think I do all day? Sure, I’m wealthy but I’m not afraid of work. I can’t help that I was born into this family, and now I’m being punished for not being a snooty dick like them? Ridiculous.

Teddy swipes the screen on his phone. “Hey, hey. June eighteenth is National Go Fishing Day.”

“How in the hell do you even know that?” I ask.

“It’s saved in my phone. You should know. Your family’s resort in Magnolia Grove does a whole spectacle for it. My grandpappy used to take me.”

Sounds like my family to pounce on some bullshit holiday. They’ll use any excuse to throw a party or squeeze someone out of another dollar.

Ben clears his throat to gain our attention. “Back to the topic at hand. And he has to date a woman using only money he actually earns.”

Teddy fist-pumps the air. “Yeah! Whoop, whoop, whoop! That’s what I’m talkin’ about.” He chuckles and then proceeds to down his beer. “Go fish, Vanny Boy.”

I shake my head as I bite the inside of my cheek. I release my cheek to tsk at them and then give a humorless chuckle. “So I get fifty grand?”

---